What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection caused by a pox virus. It can occur in children and adult. However, genital Molluscum infection in adults is usually sexually transmitted. 

Clinical Presentation of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum lesions appear like discrete smooth pearly or flesh colored dome shaped papules. Each papule has a mild red base with a central punctum beneath which looks lies a white curdy core. If patients present with very extensive facial lesions, HIV screening is highly recommended as it often occurs in immunocompromised states. 

Confirmatory tests for Molluscum Contagiosum

The expressed core from the punctum of the papule of skin biopsy sample can be sent for Giemsa-stained smears to look for the Molluscum bodies. 

Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Most of the time, the lesions heal spontaneously and is self-limiting. Treatment is hence not mandatory. Treatments if indicated are:

• Using a comedone extractor or needle or sharp currete to deroof the lesion.
• As for the remaining lesion, destroy it using trichloroacetic acid or liquid nitrogen or with electrocautery.
• Usually more than one treatment session is needed.
• Topical Imiquimod can also be used on lesions on genital as well as non-genital sites.

Follow up on Molluscum Contagiosum

All sexual partners should be encouraged to be examined and treated if positive for Molluscum Contagiosum.

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